Asthma – Adults

Asthma – Adults – Definition

Asthma is a chronic condition of the airways or tubes of the lungs. It narrows the airways and make it difficult to breathe.

Asthma – Adults – Causes

The exact cause of asthma is not clear. It may be caused by a combination of factors including environment, genetics, and biology.

Asthma symptoms are caused by an increased sensitivity of the airways to certain triggers. The triggers cause the lining of the airways to swell and produce extra fluid called mucus. At the same time the muscles around the outside of the airway tighten in response to the irritation. All of these reactions narrow the airways and make it difficult to breathe. This response is often referred to as an asthma attack.

Possible triggers of an asthma attack in a person with asthma include:

Viral illness

Exercise

Cold weather

Sinusitis

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Sulfites used in dried fruits and wine

Medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and beta-blockers

Exposure to irritants or allergens, including:

Cigarette smoke

Smoke from a wood-burning stove

Pet dander

Dust

Chemicals

Mold and mildew

Pollen

Smog or air pollution

Perfumed products

Asthma – Adults – Risk Factors

Factors that may increase you risk for asthma include:

Regularly breathing in cigarette smoke (including second-hand smoke)

Regularly breathing in industrial or agricultural chemicals

A family member who has asthma

History of multiple respiratory infections during childhood

Being overweight

History of wheezing or asthma as a child

Having allergies

Your mother smoked during pregnancy

Asthma – Adults – Symptoms

Symptoms include:

Wheezing

Tightness in the chest

Trouble breathing

Shortness of breath

Cough

Chest pain

Limited exercise tolerance, difficulty keeping up with peers

Asthma – Adults – Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Your doctor may also do some tests to measure lung functions. They may include:

Peak flow examination — blowing quickly and forcefully into a special instrument that measures your output of air

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) — breathing into a machine that records information about the function of your lungs

Reversibility testing — tests for relief of airflow obstruction when medicines such as albuteral or ipratropium are given.

Bronchoprovocation tests — lung function tests performed after exposure to methacholine to stimulate asthma; can help to confirm asthma in unclear cases

In addition, it may be helpful to learn breathing techniques. Ask your doctor for recommendations.

Asthma – Adults – Monitoring

Your asthma plan may need to be adjusted to adapt to changes in your life or health. Staying in contact with your doctor between visits can help you have better control of your asthma. Contact may occur over the phone, through email, or through your doctor’s website.

Online programs aimed at helping you manage your own symptoms can improve asthma control and lung function.

Asthma – Adults – Prevention

There are no guidelines for preventing asthma because the cause is unknown. However, you can help prevent asthma attacks by avoiding things that trigger your attacks. Triggers can vary from person to person but some general guidelines include:

Avoid strong chemicals or odors like perfume.

Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise during days with high air pollution, a high pollen count, or a high ozone level.

Get a yearly seasonal flu shot. Colds and flus can exacerbate asthma.

Don’t smoke. If you are pregnant, it is very important that you do not smoke.

Avoid secondhand smoke. Do not allow anyone to smoke in your home.

Don’t use a wood-burning stove or fireplace, including unvented gas fireplaces.

If cold weather triggers your asthma, avoid strenuous activities in cold weather. If you must, use a scarf or mask to warm the air before it reaches your lungs.

Talk to your doctor about:

An appropriate level of exercise for you

Ways track your asthma to help identify and treat flare-ups right away.

Your work, hobbies, and home activities to see if any of these may be causing or worsening your asthma.